Defend Girls Blog

URGENT – Democracy is at Stake!

On Thursday, March 21st, a Parliamentary Private Members Sub-Committee deemed Mark Warawa’s Motion 408 as “non-votable.” The committee felt that the subject of Motion 408, namely, calling on Parliament to condemn sex-selection abortion in Canada, is outside the preview of federal jurisdiction and therefore a provincial matter. Moreover, the committee argued that the government has already taken up the issue under Motion 312 (Stephen Woodworth’s motion, asking Parliament to strike up a committee to study definition of human being) and as such could not be taken up again under parliamentary rules.

Sample Letter

Subject: Motion 408

Dear Mr. Harper and Members of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs:

I am writing to convey my deep concern and dismay regarding the Parliamentary sub -committee having deemed Motion #408 “non votable”. I would ask you not to obstruct such an important subject from being voted upon in the House of Parliament. It is hard to imagine a more timely motion than one, which simply tells the world that here in Canada women are equal persons before and after birth.

I cannot believe that this committee has allowed the politics of abortion to cloud its good judgement on such abhorrent discrimination as gender-based abortion. If Canada is truly a democracy this decision will be reversed and Members will once again have their freedom under the Parliamentary system. I urge you to do the right and democratic thing and repeal this decision.